Pneumatic Seed Metering Gear Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-seed metering systems face issues with non-uniform rotation due to belt or chain actuation, which leads to increased maintenance and reduced sowing precision, as these components are easily soiled by dust and require frequent cleaning and lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic single-seed metering system where the suction body is actuated through a gear mechanism on its outer perimeter, eliminating the need for belts or chains and allowing for direct external actuation, with a gear train transmitting movement from the motor to the suction body, and a distribution disc that can be as thin as 4 mm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If belts or chains are used to actuate the suction body, then the system can transmit rotational movement from the motor, but the drag torque increases over time due to dust contamination and frequent cleaning and lubrication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the belt/chain actuation mechanism and replaces it with a direct gear engagement system. The suction body is provided with gear teeth on its outer surface that directly mesh with a drive gear, eliminating the intermediate belt or chain transmission system that caused dust contamination and non-uniform rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the flexible belt/chain mechanical transmission system with a rigid gear-based mechanical system. The gear teeth directly engaged on the suction body provide a more reliable, dust-resistant transmission mechanism that maintains uniform rotation without requiring frequent maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If belts or chains with tensioning elements are used to actuate the suction body, then rotational movement can be transmitted, but the rotation of the suction body and distribution disc becomes non-uniform due to relative movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tensioning elements and flexible transmission components from the actuation system. By providing gear teeth directly on the suction body that mesh with a fixed drive gear, the system eliminates the relative movements and elastic deformations that caused non-uniform rotation and reduced sowing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the flexible belt/chain tensioning system with a rigid gear engagement system. The direct meshing of gear teeth on the suction body with the drive gear provides precise, consistent rotational transmission that maintains uniform rotation speed and improves sowing precision.
3Ease of operation
If chains or belts are used for actuation, then the suction body can be rotated, but these components are easily soiled by dust generated during sowing, requiring frequent cleaning and lubrication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable belt/chain components from the actuation system and replaces them with a sealed gear mechanism. The gear teeth are provided directly on the suction body within the protected housing, eliminating exposure to dust and contaminants that would require frequent cleaning and lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the open belt/chain transmission system with a enclosed gear-based system. The gear teeth on the suction body mesh with a drive gear in a protected environment, creating a maintenance-free actuation mechanism that resists dust contamination during sowing operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures uniform rotation of the distribution disc, reduces maintenance needs, and enhances sowing precision by eliminating the drawbacks of belt or chain actuation, while allowing for efficient seed dispensing without affecting the disc's thickness.
Implementation Method 1
the air suction body or hollow drum is adapted to cooperate with the air suction means when the system is in the vacuum mode of operation... the seed grains adhere to the distribution disc due to the suction of air through said holes
Implementation Method 2
said blocking element is configured to be mounted in the manner of a slide on one side of the distribution disc when said disc rotates, in order to interrupt the suction of air and cause the seeds to fall
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Single-seed metering system for a seeder, which comprises a housing (1) having connection means (6) for connecting to air suctioning means, a seed distribution disc (10) having a plurality of holes (11) and an air suction body (2) configured to be rotationally mounted in the interior of said housing (1), said body being adapted to cooperate with said air suctioning means when the system is in use, said distribution disc (10) being susceptible of being integrally connected to said suction body (2) such as to define a seed metering chamber for the seeds that are adhered to the disc (10) due to the suction of air, characterised in that the outer perimeter of said suction body (2) comprises means (2a) for being actuated through a mechanism (3, 4) associated with a drive motor (5) that actuates the system. Fig.2.